Why I illustrate picture books! :D

 

This is why I want to illustrate picture books,

 Rena Jones
 who wrote The Marshmallow Man sent me this wonderful picture

 that a friend of hers sent her...

 

 

 



 

 

Out of print & new on Kindle

front & back cover

Today as I looked over a few things on Amazon I read this

 "Out of Print".

Not what you want to read but it is part of the business;

I remember when I was looking over the text I was getting confused to who was who. I sent an email to the publisher saying that I think the characters are mixed up in the book. 

I was told that the giraffe had stripes and his friend the zebra had sploshes. 

 

 My response to that was "Oh Funny!"

& then I wrote  so is the Giraffe black & white?  

A: Yes

Me: Ok 

(this was the third book I illustrated; I did not think I had a real say on certain things like what color they should be, my thought was let them stay there true colors so kids will not be confused. I started to speak up and make suggestions more so after this book was done)        

It was a cute picture book idea

Overview:

Lollipop is different, and his friend Sprinkles is different, too. Lollipop is a giraffe with stripes. Sprinkles is a zebra with sploshes. Lollipop wonders if his "normal" family would love him no matter what.

 

inside artwork
 

inside artwork



Also Just noticed

 

"The Art of Science" 

as of May of 2013 is now on Kindle,

my name no longer graces the cover the chapter artwork has been removed.

  But that cover is still my artwork

(I wonder how that works out in royalties)

Illustration Friday "Freeze"

Illustration Friday word challenge

"Freeze"

My illustration selection for this week is not something new.

This is a page from a picture book I illustrated called

"Colors"

written by Dana Warren

illustrated by Stephen Macquignon

published by 4RV Publishing

Review by Sally Pink:



"Colors" will engage toddlers and preschoolers with a vivid array of colors and schemes that will stimulate their imagination. Thanks to Ms. Warren's script, the words flow as effortlessly as Macquignon's illustrations.

Picturebookdad Unofficial review

You will not find this review on Picturebookdad but Ken was nice enough to allow me to print what he had to say about Why Am I Me?

Stephen,
I appreciate you interest in Picturebookdad.com.
I enjoyed Why Am I Me? I found it to be thoughtfully written and nicely drawn.
However, I feel it doesn't have quite enough dad-appeal to reach my target audience of reluctant-reader dads.
I hope you understand.
Best wishes,
Ken

I do/did understand I took shot, this book is the closest that I illustrated to what he looks for in picture books for his audience. But if you don't try you will never know.
It is a great site and I would suggest to go visit it often.

25 copies SOLD!!!

“Why Am I me?” has picked up some momentum and is selling at independent book stores in Oklahoma one is called “Best of Books in Edmond” so far has sold over twenty five copies, this was after a news article came out about Wayne Harris-Wyrick who wrote “Why Am I Me?” I posted it here.

I have also been told that Full Circle Books in Oklahoma City has ordered the book, how many copies I do not know they purchased them through Ingram and that information does not become available till the following month. The store at the Science Museum in Oklahoma has ordered fifteen copies.

All very promising, at the scbwi winter conference I can’t remember if it was Dan Santat or Dan Yaccarino who spoke of doing a grassroots movement to get the book in the public eye but it looks like Wayne as done just that; if you have not guessed he lives in Oklahoma and is also the director of the Kirkpatrick Planetarium of Science Museum of Oklahoma, it is nice to see the museum take care of their people.
Oklahoma is also the home of 4RV Publishing and he has attended some of the conferences held in or around the city signing copies of the book.

Wayne Harris- Wyrick

Wayne Harris- Wyrick

Side note/ disclaimer:
When I illustrate a book I do not do a web search on who wrote the story I don’t want to be influenced by their web pages or blog, Facebook status whatever is floating out there on the World Wide Web. So the front cover had nothing to do with Wayne love for the universe it is something I picked up by illustrating this picture book.
I only knew one writer before I illustrated her book; it did not hurt my interpretations but her love for the outdoors did influence me in a certain direction. (Hi Rena)

Wayne Harris-Wyrick's "Why Am I Me?" in OKC newspaper

Wayne Harris-Wyrick's "Why Am I Me?" in OKC newspaper posted
Originally posted by Vivian Zabel in 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News
   In today's Oklahoman, the main paper in the Oklahoma City area, is a short review of
 "Why Am I Me?" by 4RV author and editor Wayne Harris-Wyrick.
I've copied and pasted the article below.  (And I Stephen Macquignon has recopied the article)
Congratulations, Wayne.

YOUR LIFE Family, friends stand out

Charlotte Lankard CLankard@opubco.com  

  Being an only child, I never had a brother or sister looking out for me and cheering me on, so I particularly like it when readers give me a glimpse of what that is like . A few weeks ago I wrote about three Oklahomans who authored books published in Oklahoma and sold at one of our Oklahoma independent bookstores. The next day I received an email from Randy Wyrick of Leander, Texas, who asked me why I didn’t mention his brother’s book. So I went right out and bought a copy.

His brother is Wayne Harris-Wyrick, director of the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and author of a children’s book, “Why Am I Me?” Dedicated to his son Ethan, Harris-Wyrick’s book explains the importance of things like dogs and cats, mountains and water, sunrises and sunsets, butterflies and flowers, rabbits and even skunks. About trees he writes, “Trees make fruit to eat and oxygen to breathe, give shade on a hot summer day and a place to climb and study the world from up high, with the birds.” Then he answers the child’s question, “What is special about me?” It is a good book for any adult to share with a child. Since Harris-Wyrick, who writes a column for The Oklahoman, is an Oklahoman and easy to find at the planetarium, have him sign a book for that special child in your life.

And to purchase the book, try another one of Oklahoma’s independent bookstores — Best of Books in Edmond’s Kickingbird Square. Julie Hovis will take good care of you.

While I don’t have a brother like Randy Wyrick, I do have great friends, and because of this column I have met people all across the state. One of those folks is Jacquelyn Duncan, a retired Custer County associate district judge.

  Jackie has invited me to her part of the state and we have visited here when she is in town. After reading the column I wrote about my friend Arlene Johnson and her love of animals, I received the following email from Jackie and her own animal companions: “Booray the Bichon Frise dog, Sookie the Maltese mix dog, Diva the calico cat and Red Beard the tiger stripe cat all join me in wishing you a 2012 filled with love, peace, health and happiness.” I wish the same for each of you.

Charlotte Lankard is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice.
 Contact her at clankard@opubco.com.

SM: It was a fun book to illustrate and I am happy it has received some attention from the outside world. Wayne seems to be an interesting person from what I have read on line maybe one day I'll meet him.

Cool Review & 99%

The first review I found on Amazon about "Ferdinand Frog's Flight";

Ferdinand Takes a Big Leap, November 26, 2011 This review is from: Ferdinand Frog's Flight (Paperback)
Ferdinand is a sad frog. He doesn't like having to stay on the ground but has always wanted to fly. He is jealous of birds, who can soar above the trees. Although the birds try to convince Ferdinand that frogs belong on the ground and that things are not always fun for them, he remains unconvinced. When Ferdinand meets a helpful eagle, it appears his wish will come true. He is in for a surprise when he takes the big leap. The flowing rhythm, catchy rhymes and expressive illustrations are added attractions to this delightful tale that soars with anticipation and suspense. Children can relate to Ferdinand with his dream and learn along with him on his adventure.

Paperback: 32
 pages Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
(June 28, 2011)
  Language: English
ISBN-10: 0983274002
ISBN-13: 978-0983274001
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Amazon is selling Ferdinand for $7.62 the list price is $15.55 you save $7.93

 &&&

Moreover, who is going to pay for their vandalism?

I am not against the protest down at Wall Street. But! I am no fan of spray painting on the side of a bridge that my
 "It is taken me way to long to earn tax $$$"

will have to pay to clean this up. 

     Amazon
 is nuts!

 Nevertheless, take advantage of this great price only

$5.79

 this is truly one of my favorite books I have ever done and it shows in the 30 odd illustrations I did.

I do not know how long the deal will last

Review by Katherine Boyer: Midwest Book Review

Review

 of

 The Giving Meadow

 The Midwest Book Review

Review by Katherine Boyer:
The Giving Meadow
Stephanie Burkhart
4RV Publishing LLC
PO Box 6482, Edmond OK
73083 9780982588697
$17.99

The life cycle of any aspect of nature written for children can be and usually is a great learning experience for them. Stephanie Burkhart's book, The Giving Meadow is no exception.

When an egg lands in a meadow, the creature that emerges goes through the life cycle of a caterpillar until he wraps himself in a cocoon.

When he was a growing caterpillar, he met and was helped by several very diverse residents of the meadow, a frog, a ladybug, a bee, and a snake.

The lessons depicted in this lovely, brightly illustrated book include, but are not limited to, sharing, friendship, acceptance, understanding and generosity. The friends that the caterpillar makes on his journey to adulthood generously share their bounty with him that he accepts graciously because he knows they understand that he needs their help as he travels on his journey to complete his life cycle.

"The snake told the bee.
The bee told the ladybug.
The ladybug told the frog.
All the caterpillar's friends waited."
The wait was not in vain.
 The sight that greeted them was a beautiful creature. You must read this book to learn about this amazing metamorphosis.

Children from 4-8, and even some a little younger and a little older, will want to read this book over and over. Younger non-readers will soon begin to anticipate the story and help tell it. You will enjoy reading it to them and watch in excitement as they discover something new in the story or in the illustrations. Older readers will want to re-read and pour over the pictures as they discover more exciting things.

Stephanie Burkhart, originally from New Hampshire, now lives in California with her husband, Brent and her two sons, Andrew and Joseph. She began writing homemade comic books at five years old and hasn't looked back, as she now writes short stories and novels. This is her first children's book.

Katherine Boyer Reviewer          

The Giving Meadow is now on sale for the holidays at the 4RV Bookstore.

You can find "The Giving Meadow" and other titles I have illustrated at 4RV publishing Bookstore at 10% off the cover price till December 5th   

Eastern Oklahoma Author Fest 2011

Over the weekend was the East Oklahoma Author Fest 2011.

  I have to be honest I have no idea how successful it was but it is always great to see the books you illustrate on display. It takes time and energy to make sure you complete the work in a timely fashion but in the end when I see them on displayed it brings a smile to my face.
 I do not clock hours when I work I just do not want to know how many hours it takes to illustrate one picture book. Except on a few occasions that I was paying attention to the time like with “Libby the Odd Squirrel” were I spent four hours inking fur on one illustration and “The Giving Meadow” I spent at least four hours on inking the snake scales for just one snake, that was not including the rest of the scene. In addition, I have no idea at all the hours I spent drawing feathers on birds and fluffy stuff that came off the cattails in “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight”. However, you do it. And I will keep doing it repeatedly as long as people enjoy what I do.

What a great display!

In this photo is “The Marshmallow Man”, “Libby the Odd Squirrel”, “The Giving Meadow”, and also “A New Job  for Dilly” I did not illustrate this one but it sits on my shelf proudly it was written By Rena Jones  who wrote
 “The Marshmallow Man”.

On this display you can see “Why Am I Me?” and "Ferdinand Frog’s Flight” the latest books I finished in 2011.

 I count five in total, some I have already mentioned. But I also see “Colors” this was the second book I did for 4RV Publishing back in 2008 still one of my top favorites and “Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe?”, and “I Fish Could Drive”.  When I look at this body of work, I see how I improved with every story. It is important to keep pushing yourself to be better.

I can also see a book that my friend Diana who illustrated “Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective” she is an amazing talent and I am grateful for her friendship.

.

This is Vivian Zable, President and owner of 4RV Publishing, she also write well and is a stickler for proper grammar.  Thankfully, someone cares.  This picture of her is one of the best I have ever seen. It is also funny that in the three and a half years that I worked for them we never spoke by phone I have only heard her voice once on a blog radio interview so that is kind of funny.

Web search on Ferdinand Frog

The other day I did a search

on

 Ferdinand Frog

 to see what would pop up and this is what I found

Travel page on FB

(click me)

(click me)

This last on has a link to some of the artwork from inside the book

 (click me)

(click me)

I always feel like I'm quoting Alice in Wonderland when I say "click me"

New books that came in the mail

In the last couple of weeks I received two out of the three books I was hoping to receive in the mail.

The first book is “Photoshop CS5 in easy steps” this book just made my life a little bit easier, I used the CS2 version to help me understand how that program worked; so it was a no brainer when I realized that this newer version changed enough that it took me an (1) hour to find how to cut paste and resize a head from one body to a new body then I couldn’t remember how I did it. Frustrating!

The other book that just came in the mail is “The Great Song Book” illustrated by Tomi Ungerer I was introduced to Mr. Ungerer artwork through Michael Sporn’s blog post the book is out of print but I was able to buy a copy from a used book dealer.

Sides note: I bought both books from Amazon web site; I have read and was told in the past how some people have had problems with their customer service to this date I have not. On the books I have illustrated sometimes thing are wrong like my name misspelled or no book cover artwork both I don’t understand how that happens but it does. I was told that “Amazon will fix it when they feel like it” well not really true you contact them tell them what is wrong and they fix it within three days. I have sent them the book cover artwork or the correct spelling of my name and it is taken care of simple! I have also had questions on orders I placed and have had nothing but good response from the people I have spoken to.

Illustration from Ferdinand Frog's Flight

The third book I am still waiting for is “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight” this is the last book I illustrated with 4RV Publishing and I am still waiting to see what the finished project looks like. If I can swing the cash there are a couple of contest I would like to summit it too but I’m not going to spend money on purchasing copies of the book if I don’t know what the end product looks like.  

The illustrations in this post are from the “The Great Song Book”  I have taken them from Michael Sporn’s Blog or “Splog” post (click me to link)

Frog’s Then & Now

As I still wait for my copies of “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight”

it has given me time to reflect on how far I have evolved as an artist.

 I had to dust off a very old portfolio for this first frog/toad it was done back in the 80’s; it also shows off my sense of humor the title is “Toad Stool” pen and ink with water color and color pencil

Toad Stool

The next one is a frog I never drew I just colored it, the title is "The Dancing Frog” it was an animation project done back in the day at Michael Sporn Animation Studio.  see (Clip)

.

The Dancing Frog

The third I must of done around 2004/05? Not sure also pen and ink with water color (Tree frog) this one was once part of a stock art company I did a little work for.

Tree Frog

 

The fourth “Who Let the Frogs Out?” illustration done in 2007? for Stories for Children Magazine.

Who Let The Frogs Out?

 Also from Stories for Children Magazine "The Surfing Frog" 2009/10?

The Surfing Frog

The sixth is from “The Giving Meadow” picture book I illustrated for 4RV Publishing in 2010

The Giving Meadow

And of course Ferdinand himself who wants to fly

 if the picture book looks anything likes the PDF I have seen it should be stunning to look at.

Ferdinand Frog's Flight

Ferdinand Frog's First Flight

Coming out very soon!

"Ferdinand Frog's Flight"

written by Marvin Mayer

illustrated by "ME" Stephen Macquignon

published by 4RV Publishing

It is about a little frog in a big pond that has even bigger dreams. 

A wonderful story that I enjoyed working on it very much

  more detail to come when it is officially released

          

Color Breakdown

My computer was attacked and I have been working on retrieving lost information plus getting certain programs up and running again. I feel lucky that over 90% of my artwork was backed up and I was able to retrieve all of the rest with some effort.



Start with the pen & ink drawing



This is not the program I use to create my multiple level colors scheme but I lost my program and with out a back up disc I’m out of luck. (one of the two I can not fix)


But this should give an idea on how many layers I work on to create one colorful page


Bottom Layer




Layer One




Layer Two




Layer Three




Layer Four




Layer Five




Layer Six


Each layer sits one on top of the other bringing to life the pen & ink drawing adding some depth and texture to my artwork.


Finished Artwork